Richmond Art Center Richmond Art Center

Adrianna Gluck

Adrianna Gluck

About: Hello! I design and create pieces that focus on bright colors and unique shapes, embodying playfulness and a fresh perspective. My high quality construction blends uncommon elements and thought out details. I hope you connect with and enjoy my work!

Website: adriannagluck.com

Adrianna Gluck will be a vendor at the Holiday Arts Festival from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, December 4 at Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond.

CLICK HERE to return to the participant listings.

60th Annual Holiday Arts Festival

Meet the participants of the 60th Annual Holiday Arts Festival!

Richmond Art Center is pleased to serve as gateway for local artists to display and sell their works. At the Holiday Arts Festival we’re also highlighting community organizations with vital messages.

Richmond Art Center does not receive any portion of the proceeds from sales – either in-person at the Festival or online via linked artist or organization websites – and the terms of all sales are set by the participants.

Noticia de prensa: El Festival de las Artes Navideñas Celebra su 60 Años de ‘Diamond Jubilee’

El Festival de las Artes Navideñas Celebra su 60 Años de ‘Diamond Jubilee’

Festival de artes y artesanías con más de 50 vendedores de artistas locales y socios comunitarios, venta de cerámicas famosas, estudio “open house”, y actividades artísticas para todas las edades.

Holiday Arts Festival / Festival de las Artes Navideñas

Domingo, 4 de diciembre, 10am-5pm

Richmond Art Center

2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804

richmondartcenter.org/haf

Richmond, CA: El Holiday Arts Festival o Festival de las Artes Navideñas regresa al Centro de Arte de Richmond. Después de funcionar durante dos años como un evento virtual debido a la pandemia de Covid-19, el Festival regresa en persona para celebrar su 60.º año de “jubileo de diamante” en Richmond.

El Holiday Arts Festival/ Festival de las Artes Navideñas ofrece a los visitantes la oportunidad de comprar regalos únicos de vendedores locales de artesanías, experimentar nuestros estudios abiertos, disfrutar de aperitivos y bebidas, y participar en actividades artísticas para toda la familia. El Festival se llevará a cabo de 10 am a 5 pm el domingo 4 de diciembre en Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond.

Los visitantes podrán comprar regalos navideños locales y hechos a mano por más de 50 artistas locales e independientes. La mercancía disponible incluirá piezas de joyería únicas, vidrio artístico, cajas de hojalata, ilustraciones botánicas, soportes de incienso reciclados, sombreros fantásticos de ganchillo y artículos para preparar alimentos hechos de madera reutilizada. Los productos artesanales en el Festival incluirán chocolates y dulces gourmet, y productos naturales hechos a mano para el cuidado de la piel.

“Siempre he sentido alegría al crear y participar en el Holiday Arts Festival”, dice la artista Riquelle de Pretty Fun Designs. “Puedo conectarme con la comunidad de Richmond y más allá, y compartir alegría. ¡Qué divertido!” Riquelle utiliza una mezcla de piedras, metales, papel y otros materiales para crear pequeñas esculturas con imágenes un poco traviesas y divertidas.

“Siempre disfruto vendiendo en el Holiday Arts Festival: clientes maravillosos y amigables y una amplia variedad de trabajos impresionantes para elegir”, dice la vendedora Suzanne Carey. Suzanne venderá bufandas y abrigos acogedores tejidos con fibras naturales.

Nuestra popular venta de cerámica regresa en persona este año con la oportunidad de comprar cerámica hermosa y utilizable. Todos los artículos están hechos por nuestros estudiantes, maestros y amigos. La venta de cerámica se realizará en nuestro estudio de cerámica y todas las ventas beneficiará al Centro de Arte de Richmond.

Otras actividades en el Festival incluirán estudios abiertos para ver a artistas profesionales en acción; actividades de creación de arte para que las familias hagan sus propios regalos artesanales; una rifa de artículos donados por artistas locales; la oportunidad de comprar bolsos y camisetas del Centro de Arte de Richmond diseñados por artistas; y el Holiday Café que sirve café, galletas, cerveza y vino.

“Únase a nosotros en este emocionante día para compartir el espíritu navideño, mezclarse con nuestro equipo y adquirir maravillosas artesanías para sus seres queridos”, dice José R. Rivera, director ejecutivo de Richmond Art Center.

Normas de seguridad Covid-19: Tenga en cuenta que este es un evento bajo techo. Haremos lo que podamos para mantener a las personas seguras. Se requerirá el uso de mascarillas en las galerías y espacios públicos interiores. Las mascarillas se pueden quitar mientras está en el patio.

Accesibilidad, estacionamiento y transporte público: Hay un amplio estacionamiento gratuito disponible en el lote de 25th Street al otro lado de la calle del Richmond Art Center. Las instalaciones del Richmond Art Center son accesibles para usuarios de sillas de ruedas a través de dos entradas públicas sin escalones. La entrada de Barrett Street se encuentra junto a un estacionamiento con seis espacios accesibles. La entrada de la calle 25 se encuentra junto a un estacionamiento con tres espacios accesibles. Se puede acceder al Richmond Art Center por BART, AC Transit, R-Transit y también los servicios de viaje compartido.

Para obtener información sobre el Festival de las Artes Navideñas, visite: richmondartcenter.org/haf

Planifique su visita al Centro de Arte de Richmond aquí: richmondartcenter.org/about/hours-directions

Proveedores participantes: Adrianna Gluck, Art Builds Community, Art of the African Diaspora, Awkward Ladies Club, Bird vs. Bird Designs, Catherine Ricketts, CERAMICSbyREGINA, Crystal Clear Crafting Club, Eyes For Trees, Gabriela Nunez, Hats and Spats & Tinybully Knits, Hope Meredith, Ilah Jarvis, Iris Chiu Art, JAMM the Artist, Ji Wook Choi Art, Judith T. Irwin Artistry, Julia Beery, KS Wood, LaanMao, LSK Creations, Marisa Burman Ceramics, Maya Kosover, Meg Pohlod, Megan Godino Art, mira vista soap co., Mister Scents, Mujeres Unidas y Activas, NIAD Art Center, Patricia Tostenson Jewelry, Pretty Fun Designs, Sea Pony Couture, Skincare by Feleciai, Sky_pottery, Sophie Tivona Illustration, Stoner Zines, Suzanne Carey Arts, Take Shape Studio, The Designing Chica, The Latina Center, The Xocolate Bar, Under Construction Creations / Frikkin Laser Sharks, Wiggle & Woof, Xan Blood Walker… ¡y más por anunciar!

Acerca de Richmond Art Center: Richmond Art Center ha estado compartiendo arte y creando con la comunidad desde 1936. Nuestros programas abarcan clases, exhibiciones y eventos en nuestras instalaciones en el centro de Richmond, así como actividades fuera del sitio que brindan arte gratuito y de alta calidad. También creando experiencias para las escuelas de WCCUSD y los socios comunitarios. richmondartcenter.org

Para obtener más información, imágenes y citas de artistas, comuníquese con:

Amy Spencer, amy@richmondartcenter.org

Press Release: Holiday Arts Festival at Richmond Art Center Celebrates Its ‘Diamond Jubilee’ 60th Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2022

EN ESPAÑOL

Holiday Arts Festival at Richmond Art Center Celebrates Its ‘Diamond Jubilee’ 60th Year

Arts and crafts festival with over 50 local artist vendors and community partners, famous ceramics sale, open studios, and art activities for all ages

Holiday Arts Festival
Sunday, December 4, 10am-5pm
Richmond Art Center
2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804
richmondartcenter.org/haf

Richmond, CA: The Holiday Arts Festival returns to Richmond Art Center. After running for two years as a virtual event due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Festival is back in-person to celebrate its ‘diamond jubilee’ 60th year in Richmond.

The Holiday Arts Festival offers visitors a chance to buy unique gifts from local arts and crafts vendors, experience our open studios, enjoy snacks and beverages, and participate in art-making activities for the whole family. The Festival runs from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, December 4 at Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond.

Visitors will be able to shop local and handmade holiday gifts by over 50 local, independent artists. Available merchandise will include unique jewelry pieces, art glass, tin boxes, botanical illustrations, upcycled incense holders, crocheted fantastical hats, and food prep items made from repurposed wood. Artisanal goods at the Festival will include gourmet chocolates and confections, and handmade natural skincare products. 

“I’ve always felt joy come through when creating for and participating in the Holiday Arts Festival. I’m able to connect with the Richmond community and beyond, and share joy. What fun!”

– Riquelle Small, Pretty Fun Designs

“The warm, creative, down to earth community at Richmond Art Center is what makes this fair special. It’s always a lovely, well attended show.”

– Malena Lopez-Maggi, The Xocolate Bar

Our popular Ceramics Sale is back in-person this year with an opportunity to purchase beautiful and usable ceramics. All items are made by our students, teachers and friends. The Ceramics Sale will be set up in our ceramics studio and all sales benefit Richmond Art Center. 

Other activities at the Festival will include open glass and metals studios to see professional artists in action; art-making activities for families to DIY their own cards and gift wrap paper; a raffle of donated items from local artists; the opportunity to buy artist designed Richmond Art Center totes and t-shirts; and the Holiday Café serving coffee, cookies, beer and wine. 

“Join us on this exciting day to share holiday spirit, mingle with our team, and pick up some wonderful arts and crafts for your loved ones,” says José R. Rivera, executive director of Richmond Art Center. 

Covid-19 Safety: Note, this is an indoor event. We will do what we can to keep people safe. Mask wearing will be required in the galleries and indoor public spaces. Masks may be removed while in the courtyard.

Accessibility, Parking and Public Transportation: Ample free parking is available in the 25th Street lot across the street from Richmond Art Center. Richmond Art Center’s facility is accessible to users of wheelchairs via two step-free public entrances. The Barrett Street entrance is adjacent to a parking lot with six accessible spaces. The 25th Street entrance is adjacent to a parking lot with three accessible spaces. Richmond Art Center is accessible by BART, AC Transit, R-Transit, and rideshare services.  
 
For information about the Holiday Arts Festival visit
https://richmondartcenter.org/haf

Participating Vendors: Adrianna Gluck, Art Builds Community, Art of the African Diaspora, Awkward Ladies Club, Bird vs. Bird Designs, Catherine Ricketts, CERAMICSbyREGINA, Crystal Clear Crafting Club, Eyes For Trees, Gabriela Nunez, Hats and Spats & Tinybully Knits, Hope Meredith, Ilah Jarvis, Iris Chiu Art, JAMM the Artist, Ji Wook Choi Art, Judith T. Irwin Artistry, Julia Beery, KS Wood, LaanMao, LSK Creations, Marisa Burman Ceramics, Maya Kosover, Meg Pohlod, Megan Godino Art, mira vista soap co., Mister Scents, Mujeres Unidas y Activas, NIAD Art Center, Patricia Tostenson Jewelry, Pretty Fun Designs, Sea Pony Couture, Skincare by Feleciai, Sky_pottery, Sophie Tivona Illustration, Stoner Zines, Suzanne Carey Arts, Take Shape Studio, The Designing Chica, The Latina Center, The Xocolate Bar, Under Construction Creations / Frikkin Laser Sharks, Wiggle & Woof, Xan Blood Walker… and more to be announced!

About Richmond Art Center: Richmond Art Center has been sharing art and creating with the community since 1936. Our programs encompass classes, exhibitions and events at our facility in downtown Richmond, as well as off-site activities that bring free, high-quality art making experiences to WCCUSD schools and community partners. richmondartcenter.org
 
For more information, images and artist quotes contact:
Amy Spencer, amy@richmondartcenter.org

 

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Holiday Arts Festival 2023 – Thank you for agreeing to the Vendor Terms and Conditions

If you have not done so already, please CLICK HERE to pay your Vendor/Artist fee online.

OTHER PAYMENT OPTIONS: Fees can be paid via check, cash or credit card at Richmond Art Center during gallery hours, Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Checks can also be mailed to Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond CA 94804. Make out checks to ‘Richmond Art Center’, Attention: Holiday Arts Festival.

Holiday Arts Festival 2022 – Exhibitor/Vendor Terms and Conditions

EXHIBITOR/VENDOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This contract states the terms of agreement for the provision of table space at the Richmond Art Center’s 60th Annual Holiday Arts Festival, hereafter referred to as “The Event”. 

  • The Event will be held at Richmond Art Center, hereafter referred to as “RAC”. 
  • All vendors and exhibitors are required to agree to these Holiday Arts Festival Exhibitor/Vendor Terms and Conditions. Upon receipt of Vendor’s/Exhibitor’s acceptance of the Terms and Conditions, RAC will provide Vendor/Exhibitor with an email confirmation of their participation in the Event.

Application approval entitles Vendor/Exhibitor, subject to the terms and conditions of this contract to the following during the Event:

a) The exhibit space(s) with table and chair/s as identified in their acceptance email;

b) Posting of Vendor’s/Exhibitor’s Business on Richmond Art Center’s website; and

c) One sign in the Event lobby with Vendor’s/Exhibitor’s name. 

Important Dates:

  • Contracts and Fees Due: Monday, November 7
  • Vendor/Exhibitor Set Up: Saturday, December 3, 10am to 5pm
  • Holiday Arts Festival: Sunday, December 4, 10am to 5pm
  • Vendor/Exhibitor Load Out: Sunday, December 4, 5pm-6:30pm

TERMS

FEES AND PAYMENT DEADLINE: Vendor/Exhibitor agrees to pay RAC a Table Fee per their allocated table size and membership status (6 Foot Table Fee: $190 for RAC members; $200 for non-members; 4 Foot Half Table Fee: $110 for RAC members; $125 for non-members). Failure to pay the Table Fee in full by Monday, November 7, 2022 will result in forfeiture of any fees paid and loss of exhibit space.

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS: The Table Fee will be refunded to Vendor/Exhibitor ONLY if the event is canceled by RAC.

SCHEDULE: The Vendor/Exhibitor must adhere to the published Event Schedule and to any variations in the schedule that may have been introduced during the period of the Event at RAC’s sole discretion. 

LIABILITY: Vendor/Exhibitor assumes all responsibility for the safety and security of its equipment and goods at the Event. RAC will not provide insurance for Vendor’s/Exhibitor’s equipment or goods while in transit or while on the Event premises. 

SUBLETTING: Subletting the table is not permitted. The use of the table is limited to the Vendor/Exhibitor for which the exhibit fee described above has been paid. 

DISPLAY LIMITATIONS FOR EXHIBITOR: Furniture, display equipment or merchandise may not protrude from designated space. The arrangement of the Vendor’s/Exhibitor’s merchandise and/or booth furnishings must also conform to the following requirements: 

  1. The Vendor/Exhibitor agrees to abide by any additional rules and regulations of the Facility.
  2. No decorations, advertising, or signs shall be outside the booth space.
  3. Signage should not visually obscure or block other vendors or open spaces. If you have questions about particular booth signage or decor, please contact us at events@richmondartcenter.org 

EXHIBITOR SIGNAGE

  1. The Vendor/Exhibitor will be provided with a sign denoting the Exhibitor’s name.
  2. The company must be the name of record on file with the Event.
  3. Vendor/Exhibitor name must be visible at all times. 

STORAGE OF CARTONS, ETC: All cartons and other containers used to transport merchandise and displays to the Event will be stored under the table only. RAC does not have storage for items beyond the Exhibitor space. 

DEFAULT: The Vendor/Exhibitor shall be in default under this contract for any failure to comply with any of the terms and conditions hereof. 

COMPLIANCE: Vendor/Exhibitor will at all times comply with RAC’s policies and all applicable laws and regulations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Vendor/Exhibitor:

  • PROHIBITED MATERIALS: shall not bring or permit any weapons, flammable, explosive, or volatile material or material under high pressure, including gasoline, kerosene, propane, or other fuels/combustible into the Facility. The Vendor/Exhibitor shall not bring or permit any illegal substances. 
  • CODE OF CONDUCT: will ensure that all Vendor/Exhibitor personnel attending the Event comply with these Terms and Conditions and refrain from engaging in unlawful, harrassing, threatening, discriminatory or otherwise objectionable acts.

RETURN OF SPACE: The Vendor/Exhibitor will vacate the space by 6:30 pm on December 4, 2022, and leave the Facility in the same condition as when first occupied. Installation materials (nails, screws) in display walls must be removed. RAC will take responsibility for patching and painting holes.

PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE RELEASE: RAC reserves the right to photograph and document the Vendor/Exhibitor and the Vendor’s/Exhibitor’s merchandise for publicity, educational, and fundraising purposes. RAC will use reasonable efforts to credit the Vendor/Exhibitor.

LICENSES AND PERMITS: The Vendor/Exhibitor, at its own expense, will obtain all licenses, permits, and approvals required and pay all taxes, including, but not limited to sales tax, which are accrued during the Event. The Vendor/Exhibitor will be responsible for all sales conducted at Vendor’s/Exhibitor’s table.

INDEMNIFICATION: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, VENDOR/EXHIBITOR SHALL DEFEND, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD RAC AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES (COLLECTIVELY, THE RAC INDEMNITEES) HARMLESS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, ACTIONS, DAMAGES, PENALTIES, EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES), LOSSES, OR LIABILITIES INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST AN RAC INDEMNITEE FOR INJURY (INCLUDING DEATH) TO PERSONS OR DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION TO PROPERTY, TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH CLAIMS, ACTIONS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, FEES, COSTS OR PENALTIES ARE CAUSED BY OR ARISE OUT OF VENDOR’S/EXHIBITOR’S PRESENCE OR PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT.

ETIQUETTE: The Vendor/Exhibitor is prohibited from entering another Exhibitor’s display without permission. Vendors/Exhibitors displaying audio or video products are to keep the volume at a minimum level in respect to other Exhibitors, Attendees, and The Event. 

SOLICITATION: Solicitation or advertising at the Event, including the Vendor’s/Exhibitor’s table, is prohibited unless approved in writing by RAC. 

Holiday Arts Festival 2022 Exhibitor/Vendor Terms and Conditions

Name(Required)

By clicking the I AGREE button above, I certify that I am authorized to bind the Vendor/Exhibitor listed above to all the foregoing terms and conditions. These Terms and Conditions  constitute a valid and binding contract between RAC and Vendor/Exhibitor. 

Holiday Arts Festival 2022 – Vendor and Artist Information

Event Details

60th Annual Holiday Arts Festival

Sunday, December 4, 2022, 10am-5pm | Free Entry
Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond
More info: richmondartcenter.org/haf

  • Unique, Handmade Gifts by Over 50 Local Arts & Crafts Vendors
  • Famous Ceramics Studio Sale
  • Free Art Activities to DIY Your Own Cards and Gift Wrap Paper
  • Community Partner Pop-Ups
  • Raffle, Food and Drinks, and More!

Schedule / Important Dates

  • Vendor Set Up: Saturday, December 3, 10am to 5pm
  • Holiday Arts Festival: Sunday, December 4, 10am to 5pm
  • Vendor Deinstall: Sunday, December 4, 5pm to 6:30pm

Participating in the Holiday Arts Festival

Richmond Art Center provides:

  • Vendor contract
  • Table (covered in white paper)
  • Chair/s
  • Vendor/Participant sign
  • Wall space (as requested/as available)
  • Electrical outlet (as requested/as available)
  • Online vendor listing (see Arts and Crafts Hub below)

Set-Up, Vendor Hours, Load-In/Out Information:

  • Set-Up: Saturday, December 3 from 10am to 5pm OR Sunday, December 4 from 9am to 10am (if extra time needed)
  • Parking and Load-In: The large parking lot at 25th Street is always available (across the street from Richmond Art Center). Enter RAC from either the 25th Street entrance (top of loading ramp) or the Barrett Avenue entrance (front door). We will have a couple of carts available.
  • Holiday Arts Festival: Sunday, December 4, 10am to 5pm (Doors open for vendors to arrive at 9am. The public hours are 10am to 5pm.)
  • Load-Out: Sunday, December 4, 5pm to 6:30pm (All items must be removed on Sunday.)

Tables, Signage, Installation:

  • You will be provided a whole or half table as specified in our original agreement.
  • We will provide 2 chairs unless you specified one or none. We may not be able to provide you with additional chairs due to space limitations.
  • Tables will be covered with white paper.
  • You are welcome and encouraged to bring table coverings and cloths to drape your table. We cannot store items or packing materials for you. All items should be stored under your table if you need access to them.
  • Artisan Vendors will be in the Main, West, South and Community Galleries, and in the Paint Studio.
  • Signage indicating your table space will be on the wall or table so you can easily find your location.
  • If you requested wall space, you are welcome to hang art work and signage on the wall directly behind your vendor table. Please bring your own tools, hanging hardware as we will not be able to provide staff or tools. Remove all hardware, tapes, etc when you load-out. Richmond Art Center will patch and paint the walls.

Wifi:

  • Here is the login info for our WiFi (there are two potential hubs depending on your location):
    • CORWPLAN (username: ios@ci.richmond.ca.us; pw: richmond)
    • therac (pw: 5106206775)
  • We cannot guarantee flawless WiFi coverage and cannot anticipate bandwidth. We would suggest adding a hotspot to your cellphone if you will be processing payments via Square or Venmo. (Hot spots via your carrier can cost as little as $10 a month and can be cancelled at any time.)
  • We highly recommend vendors test their wifi connection and payment systems are working during set-up on Saturday, December 3.

Arts and Crafts Hub (online Listings)

Hosted on Richmond Art Center’s website, the Hub serves as a gateway for artists to share their work during the Holidays and direct folks to their online stores. CLICK HERE to see a sample Artist Listing.

Artists participating in the Arts and Crafts Hub will have the opportunity to preview and request edits to their listing.

Event Promotion

We invite event participants to help us spread the word about the Holiday Arts Festival:

  • Post or share a story on Instagram: 
    • Tag: @RichmondArtCenter
  • Post on Facebook:
    • Tag: @Richmond Art Center
    • And don’t forget to link to the event webpage and your individual listing
  • Update your website:
    • Include information about special merchandise you’ll have at the Holiday Arts Festival
  • Email your friends and network:
    • Include the Holiday Arts Festival in your newsletter
    • Send special invites to your friends and supporters
  • Help distribute our printed materials (available for pick up at RAC – contact me to work out a good time to pick things up)
    • Ask a local business to display a HAF poster in their storefront
    • Drop off a stack of flyers to your local community gather spot
    • Deliver flyers to your neighbors

Promotional Graphic + Copy:

60th Annual Holiday Arts Festival

Sunday, December 4, 2022, 10am-5pm | Free Entry
Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond
More info: richmondartcenter.org/haf

  • Unique, Handmade Gifts by Over 50 Local Arts & Crafts Vendors
  • Famous Ceramics Studio Sale
  • Free Art Activities to DIY Your Own Cards and Gift Wrap Paper
  • Community Partner Pop-Ups
  • Raffle, Food and Drinks, and More!

Art of the African Diaspora Artistic Achievement Awardee Talk
1/21/23

Art of the African Diaspora Artistic Achievement Awardee Talk

Saturday, January 21, 12:30pm-1:30pm

Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA

FREE

Join us for a conversation with the artists who received Artistic Achievement Awards for their work in Art of the African Diaspora: Derrick Bell, Cynthia Brannvall, and Pryce Jones. The conversation will be facilitated by Ashleè Garrison.

Image: Artwork by Derrick Bell

Richmond Confidential: Richmond Art Center celebrates Dia de los Muertos ‘to educate people about such an important cultural event.’

Richmond Confidential: Richmond Art Center celebrates Dia de los Muertos ‘to educate people about such an important cultural event.’

Article link: https://richmondconfidential.org/2022/10/13/richmond-art-center-dia-de-los-muertos/

Sasha Schell on October 13, 2022

Amid the drug store offerings of Halloween consumer goods, any Dia de los Muertos-themed item invariably sticks out.

Decorations featuring iconic skulls and cempasúchil marigolds, or candy branded with characters from Pixar’s film “Coco” speak to the growing commercialization of a holiday once outside of the corporate limelight.

But the holiday has more cultural significance in Mexico, where it orginated. And on Saturday, the Richmond Art Center will share that tradition with a Dia de los Muertos-themed Fall Family Day, featuring art, music, and even remote-controlled miniature low riders from the collection of Cruz Arroyo, who runs a popular tamale stand in Richmond.  

Richmond Art Center
Sandra Martinez and her children, Giuliana and Alejandro, make calavertias (Sasha Schell photos)

“There’s instances where I’ve seen somebody put on a Day of the Dead event, but it’s more of an entertainment program or event. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it misses the actual ancestral connections that are really important and really real,” said Roberto Martinez, exhibitions director at the Richmond Art Center. “I think it’s important to teach, to educate people about such an important cultural event.”

Martinez has worked closely with a number of local artists like Daniel Camacho and Ernesto Olmos, among others, to plan a day of festivities to inspire the anticipated 300 to 500 attendees.

Camacho, whose exhibition “De Fantasías y Realidades” is currently on display at the Richmond Art Center, will lead the day by setting up a community ofrenda in the main hallway. His calaveritas workshops will make the skulls that adorn the altar alongside offerings of food and objects brought by community members hoping to celebrate those they have lost. 

“The idea is to share a bit about my culture. It’s a very important day in Mexico. I know people want to express their feeling about those who have passed,” said Camacho. “This brings families together. That’s the important thing.”

Richmond Art Center
Daniel Camacho (wearing hat) leads a calaverita workshop for Dia de los Muertos. (Sasha Schell)

Ernesto Olmos, an artist and specialist in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican traditions, will give a presentation on the cosmology and history of Dia de los Muertos. For him, making offerings on an ofrenda are not mere gestures, but rather a vehicle connecting the living to those that came before. 

It’s about honoring our ancestors, Olmos said, and about how we perceive the dead.

“If you’re going to build something, do it real,” he said. “Put fruit, talk to them, cry.”

Olmos fears that the true meaning behind the day is sometimes forgotten as the entertainment-oriented side of the holiday is highlighted. But traditions that had been hidden “in the kitchens, in the dress, in the language,” are being rediscovered as older people talk more about the custom, he added.

Organizations such as the Richmond Art Center are instrumental in preserving this history and these traditions, Martinez said. 

The event at the Art Center is an opportunity to strengthen the cultural traditions that have been diluted through the process of assimilation, he said. “Places like this are important to keeping that.”

FALL FAMILY DAY

When: noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15

Where: Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave.

Admission: Free

Visit and Contact

Richmond Art Center
2540 Barrett Avenue
Richmond, CA 94804-1600

 

Contact and Visitor Info
Gallery Hours: Wed-Sat 10am-4pm